Life – Musings along life's journey

How Then Shall We Live?

December 14, 2025 musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

The view in our yard, the glory of God shown on an autumn day

Yes, God is on the move in a mighty way. We are called to a high standard as those who profess Jesus Christ as Lord. It’s imperative that we learn from those who go before us. Let’s look at some passages from the book of Colossians, which the Apostle Paul wrote from prison to a congregation deep in the midst of secularism.

Captivity

Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

Hollow & Deceptive Philosophy

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Hollow and deceptive philosophy? Think of the worldly wisdom coming from all angles on social media, advertisements, TV shows… many human traditions… even legalism in churches.

Each day, I hear another “doctor ” who knows just which foods or supplements, exercises or sleep things you should never do… or should always do. “Just watch this video to find out this simple household trick you can do to loose pounds.” Which leads to their special formula for supplements that will cost you $49.95 for a month’s supply. It’s sourced from the best things on earth, and you’d better order multiple bottles, because supply is limited. Then you’ll see ads connected to this video in your Facebook feed, as well as your YouTube watching.

Human Tradition

2:16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.

In Paul’s time, he was talking about the Jewish leaders and idol worshippers. Today, all religions get caught up in these things.

2:17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

Elemental spiritual forces

Elemental spiritual forces? Do you remember the earthly elements God attacked with the 20 plagues in Egypt? All the things they deified and worshipped. I’m sure by now you’ve heard of Matchu Pechu in South America. [Spell Check didn’t even balk at this name, it’s currently so popular] What about aliens, the occult, crystals, “global warming”, Yoga, Reikei… calling in the elements to work for them, especially for healing the body and the earth.

2:20 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.

Living in Jesus Christ

Set Your Heart On…

3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

Questions: What things is your heart set on? What is your mind dwelling on? What kind of fruit is developing in your life from those things? How deep is your connection with Christ Jesus?

Devote Yourselves To…

4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Paul repeatedly speaks about thankfulness and gratitude in Colossians. This is God’s will for us, to be prayerful, watchful, and thankful. Doing these things leads us away from grumbling, complaining, depressive, worldly thoughts and actions.

Be Wise…

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5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

Pastor Josh Gmmiter reminds us to “see the one in front of me”. If we minister to that one with what the Lord has given us, we will share a supernatural encounter with them. You never know how you might bring down from heaven just what that person needs.

Your Conversation…

6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

What does this look like in our lives? Grace means not being critical or judgemental. Seasoned with salt means sharing something that might irritate, but helps that soul thirst for the Word of Truth. Being tapped into the Holy Spirit helps you know what to say in each situation.

In Conclusion

May we all strive to make the most of each day, living in the grace and admonition of our Savior.

Grace be with you in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Who Has Bewitched You?

March 20, 2025March 20, 2025 musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

Good day, Readers. I have finished several days of reading The Daily Bible section that goes through the Law of Moses at the end of the Israelites forty years in the wilderness. In this section, the LORD made it clear. His chosen people are a stiff- necked, obstinate group. I am also reading 60-day Holy Spirit Devotional by Dr. Kevin Zadai, so I will take you through Galatians 3:1-3 Day 6, The Just Shall Live by Faith.

Blessings and Curses

He spells out the abundant blessings that will come to them if they obey; if they continue to choose to follow the LORD God Almighty, who brought them out of Egypt. The curses on the nations they will drive out are just the opposite of the promised blessings, which will come upon them when they rebell. So that they would understand and pass down to their children the blessings and curses, He gave Moses a song to teach them. You will find this song in Deuteronomy chapter 32.

Galatians 3:1 Foolish!

Galatians 3:1 You foolish Galatians!

Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.

People in our day are excavating the past. They are spending decades of their lives digging up the people and cultures that worshipped the sun, moon, stars, and multiple idols & false gods. They investigate the cults and gnostics that deny the truths of the Bible, promoting the idea that Jesus didn’t really die but was taken away by Joseph of Aramathea to another country and had children with Mary Magdalen. If Christ did not die on the cross as the sinless Lamb of God, we are all dead in our sins!

Galatians 3:2 How Did You Receive the Spirit?

2 I would like to learn just one thing from you:

Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard?

The Israelites showed us how we can never fulfill the Law of Moses. Why would anyone want to work for a free gift? How did you get the Holy Spirit?

Galatians 3:3 Foolishness of Fleshly Living

3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?

We have a choice, just like the children of Israel. Are we going to flow in the Spirit that the LORD has given or strive in our own strength and wisdom?

“Remain obedient to what the Spirit of God and His Word are saying. When evil spirits come, their purpose is to get you to strive in the flesh and slow down your momentum. Don’t fall for it! Instead, be vigilant and aware of these tactics. God is the opposite; He wants to empower you to finish your race. Use discernment and stay in the Holy Spirit. You will overcome!”

60-Day Holy Spirit Devotional p. 14 Dr. Kevin Zadai

Conclusion

Our LORD is the same yesterday, today, and forever more. We are His creation. We did not make ourselves. I am no better than my ancestors, all the way back to Adam and Eve. The difference is that Jesus Christ has given me the gift of salvation. In Him, i find grace for each day, and Father sent down the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me. I love the way He brings songs to mind and Scriptures as needed.

May the LORD bless you and keep you. May you find the grace to walk in the Spirit and fulfill the plans for your life that God wrote before you were born. Be encouraged on your journey! Shalom, Heidi

So Much Hapening!

July 11, 2024July 11, 2024 musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

On the road again, on Father God’s path!

Sorry to take so long getting back to this post, but it’s the”lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer,” as that old song by Nat King Cole goes. Well, maybe not so lazy for us here! I’ll explain why.

ACTIVE LIFE, OR BUSY LIFE?

Planning for my brother Karl’s memorial service at the Presbyterian church in Lowville at the same time as a double graduation party at our house and lots of visiting family to coordinate, on top of my weekly cleaning job, our traveling job, and work cleaning at the motel. On top of tending the garden, replacing our septic tank, helping at the historical society, and so much more daily stuff.

Flowers for Karl and the church women feeding & serving us well after his memorial service and burial.

I am learning [slowly] to say, “I’m active,” instead of “I’m busy!” It’s a blessing and a privilege to have all these opportunities from the Lord to minister to others. Even though it can get tiring, I thank Him for the strength for each task He puts before me.

BOOK REVIEW

If you are connected with me on Goodreads, you’ll notice that I’m on a reading streak in the midst of all this life going on! One of the books I read is Valery Comer’s new book, A Sunny Sweetheart For A Cowboy. I enjoyed getting back to the Sweet River Ranch with the Sullivan crew to see a prickly cowboy softened by a sunny cowgirl. She’s got ADHD that she’s covering with a positive attitude, trying to crack this tough nut of a cowboy. She’s broken when a call from her sister flings her back into her troubled family. Will she and the surly cowboy overcome the past and trust that God truly is good?

Check it out at: https://valeriecomer.com/books/a-sunny-sweetheart-for-the-cowboy/

Valerie has a gift for creating characters that hit home. If you’re willing, her books give excellent relationship tools for your own life. I’m glad the quality of Christian fiction has improved these days, and Valerie Comer is one of the best series I’ve read!

GRADUATION

So, last Saturday was an excellent day with family, friends, and an abundance of good food for the graduation party. (Two grandsons spent the rest of the week with us, helping eat leftovers). We had rain most of the day, but a good time between our garage and house. We celebrated our granddaughter Faith and nephew Ethan’s accomplishments well. Thanks to all who were able to come.

Faith showed me her award/achievement cords and sashes, accompanied by brother Caleb & furry friend

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Monday, July 1st, was the memorial service for my brother Karl. Pastor Greg Jenkins did a good job organizing the service at Lowville Presbyterian church, and Iseneker Funeral Home did an excellent job helping plan and execute the day, including the service, transport to the cemetery and back, and an extra container of homemade cookies for us to take home.

The memory book set I chose,
Karl and our Mom’s favorite bird.

It was a blessing to have all three of my sons attend with their families and to have my sisters, Gretchen and Trina, there. With them were Gretchen’s husband Jim and Trina’s son Ethan with his girlfriend Penny. I’m glad our cousin Victor, from Utica, was able to attend also. Small crowd, but I’m glad some of our closest friends were there. Our old friend, Scout Master Scott Gray, honored Karl’s achievement of attaining Eagle Scout, and our friend Jim Deavers shared the amazing dedication and time Karl contributed to Lewis County Search and Rescue [LCSR].

It was a beautiful day to pause and celebrate a life well-lived and the hope and assurance of heaven. Trina and I sang Morning Has Broken together, a tribute to Karl’s love of nature. We all sang Holy, Holy, Holy , Great Is Thy Faithfulness, and Precious Lord, Take My Hand to continue to thank God for the morning and His faithfulness. We concluded with Amazing Grace, since it was one of the last hymns Karl sang, late in his nursing home stay.

This photo includes Jim, myself, Trina, and Gretchen. We are presenting Jim, representing LCSR, a memorial thanks with a hand-made glass cross Trina’s friend made in honor of Karl’s life and his service to the ambulance. You may make memorial donations in Karl’s name to Lewis County Search & Rescue, Lowville Free Library, or the American Heart Association.

Here is a link to his obituary.

https://www.isenekerfuneralhome.com/obituary/Karl-StahlFuneralService

WHAT ELSE?

Exodus 31:12Then the Lord said to Moses, ¹³“Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.

Within less than a month, both Pastor Jenkins and Pastor Josh Gmitter spoke about taking a sabbath each week. It’s not just Old Testament Law, but a blessing from Father God. Turns out, taking 1 day out of 7 to rest, not doing your usual work, and honoring God can extend your life… and more! Pastor Gmitter calls it “corrective rest”.

You can find Pastor Greg Jenkin’s book on Amazon: Get Their Recipe Now: Discover the Legacy of Your Loved Ones [Paperback – November 10, 2018] it’s a unique book to start conversations to get family history down before it’s too late! (He and I swapped books; mine for his)

You can hear Pastor Josh’s sermon here: https://www.airportchristianfellowship.org/sermons/sunday-july-7-2024-corrective-rest/

AND how about that Biblical-magnitude torrential rain that’s shut things down in Lewis County, NY as I write? Here’s a link to a news story that tells more.

http://www.syracuse.com/news/2024/07/lewis-county-gets-more-rain-than-anywhere-in-ny-roads-and-homes-flooded-cars-submerged.html

The prophets have been warning that God is shaking everything that can be shaken. It’s a time to get closer in your walk with Jesus and trust that the Father truly is faithful to His people. I refer you to my previous post: “Trials Shall Come…” It is a great time to record and share testimonies of His goodness that will encourage others and lead sinners to Jesus. Don’t waste a single day that He gives you, but use your time to bless others as you have been blessed, or as you would want others to bless you!

I leave you with one more set of photos. That’s Grandpa with Owen & Logan on their successful fishing charter, the second bouquet of flowers for Karl [I told Jennifer Isenecker lots of colors for the flowers], Faith receiving her diploma, a good portion of our crew on the playground as part of our evening walk in the park, and Faith’s brothers Caleb & Steven at her graduation.

It’s May!

May 7, 2024May 7, 2024 musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

Celebrate! It’s May, and God is on the move! I want to honor my youngest grandchild, Ashlynn Hope. Today is her 8th birthday 🎂. Friday the 10th is my youngest son Alex’s birthday. On May 14th, I will be 61. Then, on May 18th, grandson Jackson will be 12. Not to mention, my niece Kristen’s birthday is on the 17th, and don’t forget Mother’s Day on the 12th! What a busy month of blessings from Father God!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. The nation of Israel’s anniversary is May 14th. Let all those who love Israel rejoice and be glad, for the LORD’S promises are truly Yes and truly Amen!

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Joel 2:21 Be glad then, you children of Zion,
And rejoice in the Lord your God;
For He has given you the former rain faithfully,
And He will cause the rain to come down for you—
The former rain,
And the latter rain in the first month.

We have been experiencing a lot of rain these past few months. A few days ago, the above scripture came to mind. In the natural, I sense that the Lord is sending both the early and the latter rains at the same time! In the Spirit, I believe this corresponds with the reapers overtaking the sowers of the Gospel.

John 4:35Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! ³⁶And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.

Souls are so ripe for the harvest that many are eagerly accepting salvation with very little prompting. Check out testimonies from Iran Alive http://www.IranAlive.org and Voice of the Martyrs http://www.vom.org Ministries for some examples. Also, Crossroads Prison Ministry is looking for Spanish-speaking mentors because they have an increasing backlog of Spanish student lessons waiting for them. Most of these students have questions about their identity and salvation. They cannot wait! http://www.cmcarcelario.org

Sorry, I realize I have a book review page, but I’m going to share some reviews on this post. I recently connected with author Noel Williamson. His first book I read is, Love is Like a Bag of Popcorn. In this book, Noel shares from personal experience from his first attempts to ask a girl out, leading you through popcorn, sports, movie, TV shows, and pertinent Scripture references, all the way into his newlywed days. I recommend this book for everyone from teens to adults who are looking for tips on godly relationships, whether you are married already or not.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

Next, I read Job Loss AppleSauce Trusting God after Job Layoffs and Finding Comfort in Applesauce. You’ll need to read to the end of the book to find why he capitalized the S in AppleSauce! The way Noel handled things will help others navigate the job market and other life changes. As with the popcorn references in the first book, Noel was clever with his apple references continuing in every chapter! I read each book in an afternoon [of course it was raining] they are short, interesting books. In the same Amazon order, I acquired Willamson’s third book, A Salad Bowl of Wisdom Life Advice from a Diverse Group of Adults. He begins with interviews from a couple people in their 90s, then a friend in her 60s and another in his mid-50s. His original plan was to interview people in their 80s, 90s, and above, but realized his younger-older friends have a lot of wisdom also! I have not had time to get far in this book yet [we were blessed with a dry day], but his easy, personable style is refreshing. I recommend you check out Noel Williamson on Amazon!

By the way, if you have read my book or listened to my audiobook, Musings Along Life’s Journey, please leave a review on Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, or anywhere you post reviews. I thank you in advance!

If I wish you Jesus and Shalom, I wish you everything! May you be blessed and be a blessing, finding joy in all you give and receive from the loving hand of Father God. Until next time, Shalom!

Book Review: The Power of Ownership

April 16, 2024April 16, 2024 musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

I have the privilege of being invited by Daniel Decker to be on the launch team for Justin Roethlisberger’s new book. It will be available to the public on April 24th.

After decades of research, advising professional sports teams and Fortune 500 companies, a personal health crisis led Justin to use his methods on himself.

Our society is geared to breakdown and illness, rounds of doctor visits, medicines, and protocols that treat symptoms but do not cure. This is average expectation for most people. Justin challenges us to leave average behind and choose to be different. He believes that the majority of chronic illnesses could be prevented by establishing consistent, long-term, positive habits and behavior change.

In my own book, Musings Along Life’s Journey, I shared my foray into getting healthy and my frustration with conflicting advice from experts. I concluded that there is no plan that works for me and you, but we should seek the Lord and experiment with things to see what works for each individual.

Justin gives a framework to build on in order to do this. A challenge he offers on page 198 is, “Allow your body to be the guide – not the study you weren’t involved in, or advice from an expert who doesn’t know you or have context into your life. Empower yourself and be your own study.”

As I began reading, I was skeptical of the spiritual end of his writing. In the final chapter, Justin reveals his spiritual habits of Bible reading and prayer and uses Scripture that begin a chapter for the first time. I do not fault him since it probably makes the book more appealing to others.

One spiritual theme he touched on throughout the book is that fear is a killer. Throughout the Bible, we are encouraged to not fear or be anxious. The Lord knows how we were made, and He knows we can not live in fear and thrive. Another scripture brought to my mind as Justin talked about sleep is:

Psalm 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows;
for so He gives His beloved sleep

I have gained tools to get better sleep. Also, a better way to eat. Justin suggests eating vegetables first, protein second, and carbs last at a meal, which helps your body assimilate the food better. He also recommends a 5- minute walk after a meal.

After reading the digital copy, I eagerly await my print copy of this book. I recommend it as a framework for learning to live your best life, all for God’s glory!

Bible Chapter 8:1-8 passages in the book of Acts

February 19, 2024February 20, 2024 musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

Welcome to the next section of Bible 8:1-8 passages. Let’s dive into Acts chapter 8.

Saul Persecutes the Church
Acts 8:1 Now Saul was consenting to his [Stephen’s] death.
At that time, a great persecution arose against the church, which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.

After the 120 who gathered in the upper room were immersed/baptized in the fiery Holy Spirit, hundreds upon hundreds of people were miraculously coming into the kingdom. All the things that Jesus told them would happen when He rose up to heaven were happening! This was a marvelous time to be part of what God was doing and the spirit of unity was strong within the body of Christ. Inevitably, we hear of persecution beginning with the arrest of James and John when they offered healing to the lame man at the temple gate. Next, Stephen was arrested and stoned to death, even though he was ministering to so many people and teaching with authority. God used this persecution to His advantage.

Christ Is Preached in Samaria
4 Therefore, those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city.

See how God caused the believers to scatter? He wanted the good news of Messiah to spread to all the world, not stagnate in Jerusalem. He is still scattering and shifting His people around to where we are needed. It is a privilege to be part of this new era in the LORD, heaven coming down to earth; the veil between the two thinning as we speak!

The following is what Jesus taught not long before Acts 8 occurred:

Matthew 5:44But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, ⁴⁵that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. ⁴⁶For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

Saul didn’t know it yet, but the Lord was using him in spite of himself. The one who was holding the coats of those stoning Stephen became the one the Lord used to reach multitudes of people in the name of Jesus the Messiah. Paul’s letters in the New Testament are still drawing, encouraging, teaching and training people today.

God is able to use everything for His glorious plans, even our enemies. Let us pray for those who treat us badly. Let us pray for and speak blessing over those our hearts want to condemn. As I said in my book, Musings Along Life’s Journey, If I don’t pray for them, they will be damned. The eternity of hell is so horrid, I don’t want even my worst enemy to go there! I will be speaking about my book at Smithville Baptist Church in Adams, NY in April if you are able to attend. Here is the “Save the Date” card.

Bible Chapter 8:1-8 passages in the Gospels #3 Luke

February 7, 2024February 7, 2024 musingsalonglifesjourney2 Comments

Welcome to the third installment of Bible Chapter 8:1-8. Chapter 8 of Luke begins with naming the women who followed Jesus’s ministry. Just before this, Jesus has his feet washed and is anointed by the woman with the alabaster jar of nard and her hair and tears.

8:1 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—

From birth to cross to resurrection, 33 short years!

I believe Jesus sensed how short a time he had on earth. He made the most of that time. As his repeseatives on earth, we need this sense of urgency as we minister during the relatively short span of time we are here on this planet.

–Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.

Look at the devotion of these women. They lived in a culture that placed little value on women and their contributions to society. Jesus set them free from the bondage of demons, illness, infirmity, and insignificance. These liberated women joyfully provided for his needs of sustenance and lodging.

4 And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable:

Notice that Jesus waited for a crowd to gather. What follows is an oft quoted passage for sermons, pertinent in light of those we share the gospel with and needs for discipline them. Keep in mind the agrarian society these people lived in.

“A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. 8 But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.”

Have you been trampled down and devoured? Did you spring up quickly without much nourishment, withering away? Have you been choked out by weeds? Did you spring up in a fertil place with a loving mentor?

When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

Do you have ears to hear what Jesus was saying? In other moves of God, many fell by the wayside. Many false religions and teaching rose up to fill the spiritual hunger caused by times like we are living in now.

This era of God’s move is meant to be sustained. Revival is meant to continue. We are to realize the failure of previous moves, and all of us are necessary to make this move of God’s Spirit continue. I leave you with two words: love and discipleship.

Living A Very Long Life?

January 29, 2024January 26, 2024 musingsalonglifesjourney1 Comment

What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?

Deuteronomy 34:7 Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished.

Pastor Cheryl’s mother is turning ninety-nine years old soon. She still remembers when she was three, playing on the kitchen floor. She asked her mother how to be saved, and mom helped her accept Jesus into her heart. Through two husbands, twice widowed, a heart attack and stroke, the death of a son, and so much more, she has stedfasly trusted Jesus. She still lives in her own home, with some help, encourages others, and shines with a holy light.

My friend Joan just turned ninety two. She still lives on her own in a small apartment. She doesn’t go out often due to intestinal problems, but she still rejoices in the Lord. She has friends who visit regularly, and her daughter gets her groceries and rides to doctor appointments. I stopped a few months ago, just when she needed help getting her porch windows set for winter. She has come to realize her limitations and how much she can do at a time. She is experiencing Emmanuel, God is with her, and just started a new Bible reading plan. Her librarian friend supplies her with good Christian books.

I visited my friend Avril. She’s in her upper 80s. She has a beautiful home on the lake. She has a cat that keeps her company and crafts she makes for charity. Avril had just used her riding mower/snowblower to clean her driveway and shoveled from there to the house. She’s recently gotten a Kindle and has 100 books downloaded. She knows when to ask for help and recently found a new church family. She drives 20 minutes to this church. She’s slowed down, but not much.

Fred and Jean are 86 & 87. They drove down to Florida mid- September, and they say it’s for their last time. A large family, I think 4 generations worth, take good care of them. They prepare the house here for Fred & Jean to occupy in the spring, then weatherize it when they leave in the fall. The family visits often and helps with what they need. We go out to dinner with them, he still goes out fishing, we play cards together, and have long chats. They know their limitations.

My brother-in-law Wes recently turned 87. Two years ago, he bought a classic car he enjoys working on. He and his wife Barb travel to lots of car shows during the season. Their house is full of trophies! He never thought he’d live this long. He is affected by his younger foolishness, but he still enjoys a good game of cards and seeing family. I believe the Lord is being patient because Wes hasn’t surrendered to Jesus yet.

After Noah’s flood, the LORD decided one hundred and twenty years is enough time for man to live with the evil flesh.

Genesis 6:3 And the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.”

NOTE: Science is pushing the boundaries to extend human lives. I do not want things injected into me to change my DNA. I don’t want the enemy’s way of longevity, I want it straight from my Father’s hands.

I believe that if we find favor and strength in the LORD, 120 years is possible. That’s why I want to work with the Lord to live as healthy as possible for as long as possible. I want to fulfill my purpose on this earth and see signs, wonders, and miracles. I want my inheritance to be a multitude of lost souls translated into the kingdom. As of January 2024, these are my thoughts on living a very long life.

Ready to Roll?

January 11, 2024January 11, 2024 musingsalonglifesjourney2 Comments

We experienced gale force winds and weather on Tuesday evening. Many trees and branches were down and many people without power. We did not lose power, but our neighbors 1/4 mile from us, all the way to the lake, have not had power for two days. The only damage we had was a tree at the front of our property that fell in the yard, missing anything but grass. Also, we are supposed to be having a snowstorm today, but only spotty, light showers. The Lord is faithful to keep us in the storm, if we trust Him. In fact, Father allowed me to visit a couple people in need before the storm on Tuesday, and to go clean for Joe and get John’s milk at the farm before mixed precipitation and more wind started on Wednesday.

I am going through the files on my computer, preparing to work on my next book, and I found this day I’d recorded a couple years ago. It is so similar, although from December, I want to share it with you here. I think the conclusions I came to and exhortation at the end are still relevant for 2024!

From Tuesday, December 7, 2021: Sunday, about the time we went to bed, it started raining. It was very windy, and we heard a thousand people in the area lost power for about an hour in the middle of the night. The temperature hovered just above freezing, so we had no snow at our house.

When I awoke, it was still raining steadily and windy. I had an eye doctor appointment at 9:05, so John and I both packed up a traveling breakfast because he wanted to stop at the lab and get his fasting bloodwork done for his next appointment. He also planned to go home that way from my appointment so he could get a haircut. We left the house at 7:30, which should have been enough time to get across the city to my appointment. When John walked into the building for the lab, he found a line of people waiting. He realized he would not get done in time, so we headed right to the eye doctor’s office and sat in the parking lot to eat breakfast.

About fifteen minutes early, I headed through the rain from the parking lot to the appointment. The assistant and doctor kept me busy with multiple examinations and I lost track of time. When they finished, I had an excellent report, an appointment for eleven months later to repeat the vision field test, and another for twelve months to do the yearly testing. Heading back into the rain, I found my way to our vehicle. John had been sitting for over an hour and had a revelation: scrap plans for his haircut, head out of town the other way, deposit my check, eat at Cracker Barrel, and Christmas shop.

What grace Father God showered on us! We noticed the rain, but it didn’t hinder. John usually gets completely undone by the end of Christmas shopping, but his good mood hardly wavered. As we cruised several stores, he kept saying, “It’s alright, we’re not in a rush and I’m with my honey.” I want to remind you all, the Bible says, “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it unto the day of Christ Jesus”. [Philippians 1:6]

As we pulled into the Walmart parking lot, we saw fleets of electrical bucket trucks amassed. John said National Grid was setting up to send them where needed because they expect many wire problems with the wind and rain; possibly turning into an ice storm. Our area previously dealt with a couple of major ice storms, and this shows they have learned from those experiences.

As in the natural realm, so in the spiritual, the saying goes. National Grid and our weather people are preparing for a major catastrophic event. The prophets have been speaking about a major event likely coming from the power grid being damaged. I believe the power of our spiritual enemies also has impending damage. Also, the rain and wind, which turned to sleet in the wee hours of the night, stopped after about twenty-four hours. I’m reminded that God promises in Psalms that weeping endures for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

The time is ripe for a move of God. Are you ready to roll with the punches and come out victorious? God’s plans are good, and this time of tribulation shall come to an end soon! We will see the victory if we do not faint before the end. I ask for and receive grace from Father God each day. It keeps me in His peace in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4]

I hope you can grab on to His strong anchor and hold on. If your job is to be the “bucket trucks” with boots on the ground, step up to it. If your job is to be the one on your knees, drop down and pray in power. If it’s your part to write encouragement, then get to it. Man the positions God has planned for you since before you were born! We’re going to see the victory if we stand firm and do the good works before us.

Rejoice in the LORD always and be led by the Holy Spirit. Shalom, dear readers!

Wrapping up 2023

December 26, 2023 musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

I got my puzzle board out for the first time since last winter. Around church service on Sunday morning and visiting with our son Alex’s family on Monday, we had a quiet couple of days. I got out the Christmas puzzles, choosing the nativity to keep my thoughts on what we’re celebrating. This puzzle was challenging, with lots of repeated colors and textures.

I actually gained control of the remote, and we watched some encouraging videos on Amazon Prime. I saw Agatha VonTrapp sharing the Sound of Music story from her own perspective with her grand niece. A real treat, since the Sound of Music was my Austrian Jewish grandmother’s favorite movie.

Archie the tomcat enjoying the box of wrapping paper and the lights on the tree at Alex & Joanna’s house yesterday.

Then we watched Noelle, the story of a priest who shuts down churches that aren’t thriving, sent to a small church led by a classmate from seminary. Turns out he’s haunted by a baby/young girl whom he’d encouraged his college girlfriend to abort. A real story of redemption and the true meaning of Christmas.

Going back to the Nativity puzzle, I point out that it gives the condensed version of the account that most of us grew up with. I didn’t realize until I started reading the Bible myself that the Christ child was about two years old, and the family was living in a house in Bethlehem of Judea, when the caravan of wisemen arrived.

Well, I finished the puzzle as I was heading to bed last evening. I won’t continue recounting the rest of the half-dozen videos we watched, but I go on to this morning. Following friend suggestions from Facebook, I spent an extended time cruising my feed, which I’ve not attended to lately. Lots of beautiful family Christmas photos as well as memorials to those who won’t be with the family this year. Children are growing quickly, those of a certain age are growing old gracefully, and I’m thankful for all God is doing in our lives these days. Here, I share a photo from my browsing. Since I got it from accessing a FB game, I had to have my husband John take a picture of it on my phone and send it to me. Trying to save the photo to my phone only took me back to the games!

This is definitely a choice verse for my life, and it must be what the Lord wants me to concentrate on for 2024. I’m happy that my friend Joyce from Kenya is part of this photo. I don’t recommend accessing Facebook games, but this was worth it for me today.

This New Year’s Eve, there will be a prayer vigil from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Wellspring Fellowship church in Brownville, New York. From the invitation, this stone church was built about 1823 and shared by all the churches in the area until 1826, when it was purchased by the Episcopal Church. It faithfully served the Brownville community until 2021.

Charles G. Finney came to Brownville in November 1823, following signs of revival that were beginning to manifest there. He was snow-bound for the entire winter and labored in this building in prayer and preaching until April 1824.

I am excited! Revival is beginning in our church, Airport Christian Fellowship, in Dexter, NY, which is just a few miles away from this church in Brownville. If you are in this area, join us for any or all of the time between 6p.m. and midnight, New Year’s Eve, 2023. The address is: 212 Washington Street, Brownville, NY 13615.

Wherever you are, you are right where God needs you. Or, He will prompt you to move soon into the position you need to occupy for this new erea in His plans. Oh, it’s official. My book, Musings Along Life’s Journey, Vignettes From The Road, is live on Amazon. You may purchase it in hardcover, paperback, Kindle, or as an audiobook read by myself.

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